Newstalk ZB
February 4, 2004

Staff traumatised by pack rape claims


Commissioner Rob Robinson's decision to promote Clint Rickards likely to be scrutinised in rape allegation inquiry

The Police Commissioner's decision to promote Clint Rickards is expected to come under the spotlight as part of a Commission of Inquiry into the alleged pack rape involving Auckland's police chief.

Auckland City district head Assistant Commissioner Rickards has been ordered off duty pending the conclusion of a criminal investigation into claims by Louise Nicholas that she was pack raped and violated with a police baton by Mr Rickards and two former colleagues, Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum.

The incident is alleged to have happened in 1986 at a police house in Rotorua, when Ms Nicholas was 18.

Commissioner Rob Robinson was instrumental in seeing Mr Rickards' rise through the ranks and says he is aware his decisions could come under scrutiny, depending on the inquiry's terms of reference.

Mr Rickards says he will fight the allegations.

Meanwhile, Mr Robinson says the allegations have traumatised some of his staff, who have expressed a range of emotions.

He says there is a pride in the professionalism of the organisation that is carried by all police officers and when something touches one of them it reflects upon everyone.

Mr Robinson says public trust and confidence in the New Zealand police is paramount.

The Government has indicated it is moving to quickly set up the Commission of Inquiry.

Attorney General Margaret Wilson says the first thing to do is establish terms of reference.

The inquiry will look into systemic issues and processes in the police handling of the issue, including matters around police conduct and culture.